I'm not quite certain where the concept of "belonging" originated. One would think the idea of "survival of the fittest" would still rule even in this day and age of technology, but it doesn't. We all want to belong to someone, whether it be family or friend, group or organization. That feeling of belonging defines who we are.

A special look, a touch, that gesture that we share with those to whom we "belong" identifies

us as not being alone. I read a story today about a basset hound in a kill shelter. He was food agressive toward other dogs because he had been forced to fight bigger dogs every day just in order to eat to survive. He was deemed "unadoptable." That label, in and of itself, is a virtual death sentence. There will be no belonging for this little guy unless someone can foster him and perhaps teach him how to feel safe enough to "belong" to someone.I guess all God's creatures have the same basic needs: food, shelter, warmth, and if one of those is missing, our ability to "belong" is diminished, and that, somehow makes us less human.

The Hush Puppies seem to be inclined to "belong" to everyone. Anyone, male, female, two legged, four legged...they love everyone. They even like cats, which tells me they are self confident in that fact that they "belong." I sometimes wonder if they just view me as a larger basset hound, the alpha dog. It really doesn't matter. I belong to them, too. Tonight I think we'll say a little prayer for all those who don't "belong." We hope someone adopts them.